CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- The 750-ton, 315-foot Joint Venture High Speed Vessel made its way to North Carolina to assist in moving military gear during a Maritime Prepositioning Force Exercise recently.
The high-speed, wave-piercing catamaran's capabilities were also on display for local military and civilian officials.
Although the JVHS is still in the experiment phase, according to Master Sgt. Neil Foulkrod, combat cargo officer for JVHS-X1, it has been making positive waves during testing. "I think this is a great ship. It is very maneuverable and moves easier than other MPF ships," he said.
Australian-based company Incat Tasmania, which designs commercial ships for several countries, produces the needle-nosed vessel, which can travel at speeds of up to 48-knots.
The ship is originally designed to carry 600 passengers, according to Nick Wells, Incat project manager. In order to meet military standards and requirements, some redesigns were added. Passenger seating, was reduced on the military version to accommodate 325 combat-loaded Marines. Also, a flight deck suitable for military helicopters was added.
Range and cargo capacity are among the benefits provided by the JHSV. The vehicle is able to travel 1,500 nautical miles and move up to 450-tons of cargo, according to the Incat Web-site at www.bollinger-incat.com.
This is a positive step for the Corps, said Foulkrod. "I'm excited about it (the JHSV) and believe the Corps can benefit from it assets," he added.